Marketplace Morning Report Britain boosts its defense spending
Jun 2, 2025
Britain is ramping up its defense spending, driven by growing global tensions and the need for enhanced military readiness. The focus is on bolstering the nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet amid rising threats, particularly related to the situation in Ukraine. Meanwhile, a significant legal battle highlights the intersection of climate change and corporate accountability, as a Peruvian farmer challenges a German energy company over its role in funding climate defenses. This case, despite its dismissal, marks a pivotal moment for future climate litigation.
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UK Defense Spending Increase
- The UK plans to increase its military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 to address rising threats.
- British troops are training to be ready to fight within two years, learning from the Ukraine war experience.
NATO Training with Ukrainians
- NATO troops in Estonia, close to Russia, train with battle-hardened Ukrainians in drone warfare.
- Estonian soldiers feel urgency to learn these skills, fearing they might be next to face conflict.
NATO Spending Pressure
- Lithuania aims to spend over 5% of its GDP on defense, driven by threats from Russia and pressure from Donald Trump.
- NATO Secretary General suggests 3.5% GDP for defense and 1.5% for related expenses as a bare minimum.